Brussels, Belgium - December 3, 2012 (www.investorideas.com newswire) Zanna McFerson, President of the International Stevia Council (ISC) says: "Following the positive safety opinions by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (1) in 2008, stevia extracts have gained global acceptance by many food regulatory agencies worldwide. Stevia extracts are a zero calorie solution for naturally sourced sweetness and contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. This year a number of stevia approval anniversaries are taking place.

In December 2012 it is four years since the US Food and Drug Administration (2) paved the way for the use of stevia extracts in food and beverage. Since then a lot of products with stevia can be found on the American market. This has enabled consumers to enjoy foods and beverages with lower sugar and calories through the use of stevia, a natural zero-calorie sweetener.

In the EU, the European Commission authorised the use of stevia extracts in November 2011 (3). After the EU approval, European consumers have benefitted from the introduction of table top sweeteners, flavoured drinks, confectionary and dairy products with stevia extracts on the shelves in the supermarkets.

"As the authoritative voice of the industry, the International Stevia Council is in regular contact with many regulatory agencies worldwide to provide information on stevia and its benefits," says Maria Teresa Scardigli, Executive Director of the ISC. Scardigli explains "The Council will continue to play a leading role in supporting regulatory approvals around the globe and looks forward to more stevia approvals in the coming years. Continuous regulatory approvals of stevia worldwide together with an increased market penetration due to additional product launches and enhanced consumer recognition of stevia sweetness are the key elements for the growth of the stevia market".

About the International Stevia Council

The International Stevia Council is a global trade association representing the interests of companies that process, manufacture and/or market stevia sweetener products. The International Stevia Council is a 501 (c) (6) not-for-profit organization incorporated under the law of the State of Delaware in the United States (US). The Council was created in July 2010 by eleven founding members. The International Stevia Council is managed by its staff in its Global Office in Brussels ( Belgium ).